American Association of University Women Reacts to Election Day Results

November 09, 2016

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Media Contact:
Amy Becker, beckera@aauw.org
202.785.7756

Donald J. Trump Wins Presidency while GOP Holds On To Congress

WASHINGTON DC—Voters made history November 8 by electing political outsider Donald J. Trump to the White House. The American Association of University Women (AAUW) intends to approach our work with both the new administration and Congress with our mission in mind. After this hyperpartisan election year, AAUW’s nonpartisan leadership and research-based advocacy is needed now more than ever.

“It is now, after an election, that the real work begins,” said Lisa Maatz, the vice president of government relations and advocacy. “AAUW will find common ground with the Trump administration and the new Congress on issues that are important to women and working families. Women want progress on issues that affect them, and AAUW intends to be a fair critic and a valued ally. Most importantly, in true AAUW fashion, we will not hesitate to speak truth to power.”

Members of AAUW worked hard to get out the women’s vote on Election Day by registering and educating voters, holding candidate forums and town halls, and writing local op-eds and letters to the editor urging women to make their voices heard. These efforts were a part of the AAUW Action Fund’s “It’s My Vote: I Will Be Heard” campaign, which aims to turn out millennial women voters, a group that is often underrepresented at the polls.

“Candidates must now work to deliver on their promises,” stressed Maatz. “Women voters expect our newly elected officials to work together on solutions. AAUW believes democracy demands work every day of the year, and hyperpartisan rhetoric only damages the chances for reasonable consensus. Women voters are watching. We’ve laid out our priorities, and we will hold each and every candidate accountable.”

#####

The American Association of University Women (AAUW) empowers women and girls through advocacy, education, philanthropy, and research. Our nonpartisan, nonprofit organization has more than 170,000 members and supporters across the United States, as well as 1,000 local branches and more than 800 college and university partners. Since AAUW’s founding in 1881, our members have examined and taken positions on the fundamental issues of the day — educational, social, economic, and political. Learn more and join us at www.aauw.org.